Mystics win ACAA Championship

Source: UNBSJ Seawolves

The MSVU Mystics are the 2025 ACAA Champions after defeating the Holland College Hurricanes 72-62 in a hard-fought battle on March 2, 2025, at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre. The Mystics used a dominant third quarter to pull away and held off a late push by Holland to secure the title.

Holland came out strong in the first quarter, building an early lead behind the play of Nykeva Brown and Alexa Rancourt. Brown scored 7 points in the opening frame, including a three-pointer, while Rancourt added 5 points. MSVU struggled to find their rhythm early, with Amanda Pearcey and Celine Sterckel combining for 8 points to keep the Mystics within striking distance. By the end of the first quarter, Holland led 18-12.

The second quarter saw MSVU mount a comeback, outscoring Holland 21-15. Amanda Pearcey caught fire, scoring 8 points, including two three-pointers, while Celine Sterckel added 5 points. Holland's offense cooled off slightly, but Isabelle McGeoghegan provided a spark off the bench with a key three-pointer. The game was tied 38-38 at halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

The third quarter proved to be the difference-maker, as MSVU exploded for 27 points while holding Holland to just 15. Amanda Pearcey and Celine Sterckel continued to shine, combining for 14 points in the quarter. The Mystics' defense also stepped up, forcing 5 turnovers and converting them into 8 points. Emma Empringham was a force in the paint, contributing 6 points and 4 rebounds in the quarter. By the end of the third, MSVU had built a commanding 65-53 lead.

Holland made a valiant effort to close the gap in the fourth quarter, outscoring MSVU 14-12. Nykeva Brown and Karissa George led the charge for the Hurricanes, combining for 9 points in the final frame. However, MSVU's composure at the free-throw line and clutch shooting from Amanda Pearcey and Celine Sterckel sealed the victory. A late three-pointer by Isabelle McGeoghegan brought Holland within 10, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

For MSVU, Amanda Pearcey led all scorers with 22 points, including 4 three-pointers, while Celine Sterckel added 19 points and 7 rebounds. Emma Empringham contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing her versatility on both ends of the floor. Victoria Strickland and Marley Curwin also made key contributions, with Strickland adding 4 points and 3 assists, and Curwin chipping in 6 points and 5 rebounds.

For Holland, Nykeva Brown was the standout performer, finishing with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Alexa Rancourt added 14 points and 4 assists, while Karissa George chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds. Vataya Talbot made a significant impact on the defensive end, recording multiple steals and blocks while also contributing 4 points and 3 assists. Molly Steadman also played a key role, grabbing 4 rebounds and providing solid defense.

Despite shooting better overall, Holland couldn't overcome MSVU's volume of shots. The Hurricanes shot 31.3% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range, compared to MSVU's 32.9% from the field and 29.7% from beyond the arc. However, the Mystics attempted 73 field goals to Holland's 64, allowing them to generate more scoring opportunities. MSVU also dominated the boards, outrebounding Holland 38-34, and dished out 21 assists compared to Holland's 16. The Mystics capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off Holland's 18 turnovers, while the Hurricanes managed just 8 points off MSVU's 15 turnovers.

With this win, MSVU claims the ACAA Championship title, capping off a stellar season. Holland's season comes to an end, but their resilience and effort, led by Nykeva Brown and Alexa Rancourt, kept them competitive throughout the game. The Mystics will now turn their attention to the national stage, aiming to make noise in the CCAA Championships.